Sumpter Progressive Civic League gives away 60 filled backpacks to students

On Saturday the Sumpter Progressive Civic League put on what they are calling their first-annual Back-to-School event for Sumpter children.
They gave away 60 backpacks filled with school supplies for students from pre-Kindergarten through high school and hosted an afternoon of fun and safety education at Graham Park.
Christy Darty, secretary of the re-energized league, said the extra school supplies left over were being donated to Keystone Academy charter school in Sumpter Township.
Sumpter Township Police Officer Beth Egerer presented lessons on internet bullying and proposed a contract with parents where the students promise to tell if they see something wrong.
Police also presented gift bags with cereal and other food inside.
Sumpter fire fighters invited the students onto a fire truck and let them touch equipment and blare the siren. They talked to the students about fire safety.
Darty said they had lots of games and activities for a full afternoon.
The new league officers are: Kariethea Murry Hanible, president; Vincent Warren, vice president; Darty, secretary; Jackie Gregory, treasurer; Elder Martha Braford, chaplain; and Paulette Thompson, sergeant-at-arms.
The next meeting of the league is at 6 p.m., Sept. 15, at the Sumpter Township Community Center and those interested are invited to attend. Hanible said they are looking for volunteers and donations to support the league programs. The phone number for information is (734) 461-1767.
Crystal Harris, the longtime president of the Sumpter Progressive Civic League, is in rehab in Georgia, following a stroke. She is encouraged by those who have taken up the work of the league and is anxious to get back to Michigan to see them all in action.